Let’s be honest—everyone loves a good road trip or a super-productive delivery route. But when you’ve got more than a couple stops, Google Maps starts feeling less like a smart travel buddy… and more like an overconfident backseat driver. If you’ve ever asked, “Why won’t Google just optimize my entire multi-stop route?”—you’re not alone, and also, we’ve got you.
TL;DR
Google Maps doesn’t automatically optimize the order of multiple stops for best efficiency. But with some clever manual tricks and planning, you can beat the system! No rocket science needed. Just follow a few steps and you’ll save time, money, and maybe a few headaches.
Why Route Optimization Matters
Imagine this. You have to visit six stores, pick up groceries, and pass by Grandma’s house with her favorite muffins. Doing it in the wrong order could mean zigzagging across town like a headless chicken. That means wasted fuel, wasted time, and increased grumpiness. Nobody needs that.
Optimizing your route puts everything in the best order to reduce driving time and distance.
What Google Maps Can—and Can’t—Do
Google Maps lets you add multiple stops—up to 10 on the mobile app and up to 9 on desktop, plus your start and endpoint. But here’s the catch: it doesn’t automatically sort them for the shortest or fastest path. You have to do that part manually.
That’s what we’re fixing here—with no third-party apps, plug-ins, or complicated tools.
Step-by-Step: Manually Optimizing Your Route
Step 1: List All Your Stops
Write them down on paper, a notes app, or in a spreadsheet. Include addresses or at least recognizable names that Google Maps understands (like “Starbucks Downtown” or “123 Maple Avenue”).
Step 2: Estimate Distances Between Each
Now we channel our inner navigator. For each stop, check how far it is from the others. You can use Google Maps’ “Directions” tool by typing each pair and checking time/distance.
Keep track of this info. You’re looking for patterns—like which places are bunched close together, or which ones are way out of the way. Pick your furthest or most time-sensitive stop first or last based on your priorities.
Step 3: Create a Route Plan
This may feel a little like playing Tetris. Try to connect the stops in a way that creates a loop or a smooth line rather than backtracking all over town. You’re aiming to:
- Group nearby stops together
- Hit locations in a logical order
- Minimize left turns across traffic (seriously, this adds time!)
Example: If Stop A, B, and C are all on the east side, do those before swinging west to stops D and E. It’s like planning a ninja mission—get in, get out, and don’t look back.
Step 4: Enter Stops into Google Maps in Your New Order
Open the Google Maps app or desktop site. Tap “Directions,” type in your start point, and then use the “+ Add Stop” button to plug everything in the order you chose.
Want to tweak it after seeing the map view? No problem! Use the drag handle (three lines next to each stop) to rearrange the order on desktop. On mobile, you can long-press and drag the stops.
Step 5: Save or Share Your Route
If this is a regular route—like for deliveries, errands, or weekly appointments—bookmark or screenshot it after setting it up. You can also tap “Share Directions” and send the route to yourself or someone else.
Bonus Tips to Make it Smoother
- Start early or late: Avoid peak traffic hours whenever you can.
- Use Street View: Preview tricky driveways or entrances beforehand.
- Account for stop time: Add buffer minutes at each location if needed.
- Avoid U-turns & left turns: U-turns and left turns (especially on big roads) can eat up time.
- Update on-the-go: Google Maps lets you quickly remove or skip stops—great for flexible days.
Don’t Ignore Google’s Hidden Shine!
Okay, so Google doesn’t optimize stop orders. But let’s not completely shade this tool—it’s still the navigation king. Real-time traffic? Alerts for road closures? Notifications if there’s a slowdown ahead? All built-in and glorious. It keeps delivering the best route between the stops you chose.
Even better—you can use voice commands like “Hey Google, show next stop” if you’re using Android and driving solo.
Pro Move: Combine with a Spreadsheet
If you’re up for it, you can use a spreadsheet (Google Sheets, Excel, etc.) to keep track of distances between each point. This becomes super useful if you’re dealing with 8+ locations. Once you note drive times, look for the shortest overall route by adding them up.
Yes, it’s manual. But kind of fun—like solving a mini puzzle.
Want to take it further? You can even sort combinations using formulas in Sheets. Warning: This gets geeky, so only for brave hearts.
How to Keep Your Brain Happy
Let’s be real: this method is a few extra steps beyond just clicking “Go.” But doing this kind of prep gives you:
- More efficient travel
- Less stress
- Greater control
- Cool points (Everyone loves asking how you always get there faster!)
And once you’ve done it once, it takes way less time the second round. Your brain learns!
Limitations to Know
If you have more than 10 stops, Google Maps won’t let you enter them all at once. But there’s a workaround!
Split your trip into two parts. Plan Route 1 (first 9 stops), then save or screenshot it. Start Route 2 from the last place on Route 1 and add the rest.
Still no third-party apps needed. Boom. Solved.
One More Trick for the Road
Use “Your Places” in Google Maps to save frequently visited stops. Add them to a custom list titled “Thursday Deliveries” or “Super Important Errands,” then reuse those again when planning your routes. Easy like Sunday morning.
Also, once your route is set, use Google Assistant to guide you hands-free while driving. Safety + convenience = win-win.
Final Thoughts
Google Maps may not be a routing genius out of the box, but that’s okay. With a little DIY magic and this guide by your side, you can turn chaos into calm. Understand your stops. Test a few layouts. Plug them in. And boom—you’re crushing productivity like a GPS wizard.
Drive smart, skip traffic, and go make someone think you used expensive software. We won’t tell. 😉